35

Jungkook

Taehyung looked so calm in his sleep, his face was soft and his lips were slightly open.

My eyes travelled down to see his arm wrapped around me, I tried to move but I felt something tighten around my hips. I also saw that I had a leg thrown over his, tangling us together.

My touch was light and soft, while my heart was wild in my chest.

What I was doing felt forbidden, at the same time, it excited me.

To have this, to be able to touch him so freely.

Most of all, I was happy that I can touch a man without feeling disgusted and my body vibrating with fear. I laid my hand over his cheek with a sigh of contentment and my eyes closed, letting myself feel his warmth as it surrounded me.

The next time I opened my eyes, his eyes were open and he was looking at me.

"Good morning," he whispered gruffly, his voice heavy with sleep.

I opened my mouth to say something but quickly snapped it shut. Glancing at my palm that was still resting on his cheek, my teeth grazed my lips nervously.

My fingers flexed on his cheek and I was about to move my hand away when suddenly his hand was over mine, trapping my palm against his cheek. I gasped and stared into his mesmerizing eyes.

When Taehyung's lips tilted up in a small smirk, I ducked my head shyly as my cheeks heated in embarrassment. I hid my face in his chest, I felt it rumble with a small chuckle.

I tried to move my hand away again but he held on tightly, entwining our fingers together.

"You didn't say good morning back. That's rude, kitten," Taehyung murmured in my ear.

So, I was back to being a kitten.

"Good morning," I mumbled.

He laughed and released my hand. I tried to move away from his comforting embrace, but his arm tightened around my waist, refusing to let me move even an inch.

Instead, he pulled me closer until my chest was pressed against his. I could feel everything, even his hard-on pressing into my stomach. Pressing my eyes closed tightly, I took a deep breath through my nose. I was completely mortified.

"Jungkook, look up at me," Taehyung demanded.

I shook my head and pressed it harder into his chest.

"You know I'm not letting you go until you give me what I want," he teased.

When I didn't answer, he pressed his fingers gently into my hips. "Hmm… or maybe you just want me to keep holding you."

At his words, my eyes snapped open and I looked up quickly, staring widely into his eyes. Another chuckle bubbled deep from his chest at my reaction. His eyes twinkled mischievously and he gave me a wink.

"There you are, Kitten." He whispered so softly that it made my heart ache. "Don't look away from me again."

With our eyes still locked together, I felt his arm start to loosen around my waist until he wasn't holding me any longer. I took a deep breath and slightly moved around, I didn't think I would ever be able to look away even if I tried. Taehyung had completely captured my full attention.

Giving Taehyung a final glance, I sat up, pulling the covers to my chin and looked away.

"You are looking away from me again," he mumbled.

Releasing my breath in a huff, I turned toward Taehyung, "Why are you in my room?" I softly asked, bringing my knees up to my chest.

I saw Taehyung's eyes widen in surprise as if he just figured out that he was here. He quickly sat up and cleared his throat. "You fell asleep in the piano room and I brought you back to your room."

I was silent, waiting for him to continue. I saw him swallow nervously and he got off the bed.

"I was putting you to bed but you wouldn't let go of my jacket. And I didn't want to wake you up,"

Taehyung grumbled. He looked away and then cleared his throat again. "I'll see you later, Kitten."

"Okay."

Taehyung sent me a look from the corner of his eyes and then he walked away without saying anything else. I fell back on the bed as soon as the door closed behind him.

Taehyung had kept me safe in his embrace, pushing away all the bad memories. I had been cocooned in his warmth and as I laid back on the bed, I felt strangely empty. I faced the side where Taehyung had been sleeping.

I placed my palm over the mattress and slid it up and down, right where he'd been just moments ago.

My heart was doing the same fluttering as whenever Taehyung was near, while my body felt light.

Placing my other hand over my chest, I closed my eyes.

What is this feeling?

***

Jimin was talking animatedly when we heard a knock on the door, both of us turned toward it with a confused expression.

"Come in," I said.

The door opened and Taehyung stood in the doorway.

"Do you want to go to the creek?" he asked, his gaze slightly shifting to Jimin.

My eyes widened and I quickly sat up while Jimin tried to look busy with the book in his hand.

My heart soared and I nodded with a smile, "Yes."

"I'll wait downstairs," he said, shutting the door behind him.

I tried to hide the giggle, placing a hand over my mouth that threatened to slip out. "You are too cute for your own good, Jungkook." Jimin laughed.

I quickly jumped off the bed and was almost at the door when Jimin's voice stopped me. "Wait."

"What?"

"Why don't you change into something cute?" he suggested, sitting up on my bed.

"I don't have any other outfit," I said. "Except for the pair of jeans and a white shirt that Hae-sook got me."

"Not a problem. Give me a minute."

Jimin got off the bed and ran past me and out the door. After a few minutes, I grew nervous and more impatient. He ran back into the room holding a shirt, gasping, he shoved it into my hands.

"Hurry. Go change."

Staring at the shirt, I took a step back. "What—"

"Don't ask questions. You are wasting time. Hurry," Jimin snapped.

I went into the bathroom and changed, then stared at my reflection.

"Wow," I said.

The white dress shirt was simple yet elegant. It had been a long time since I wore a light colour and this one was beautiful, light to the touch and very comfy, I ran a hand down my hair.

You look beautiful, Kitten.

Taehyung's voice rang through my head and I bit down on my lips nervously as a feeling of giddiness overcame me. Instead of fighting against it, I was letting it happen. I didn't have the strength to fight my feelings any longer. I walked out of the bathroom and Jimin clapped his hands.

"You look prettier in it than me," he said with a wink. "Taehyung won't be able to take his eyes off you."

"Hush," I muttered, looking down shyly.

"Okay. Go now. Taehyung is an impatient man. He doesn't like to wait."

I laughed as he rolled his eyes in exasperation. "I know."

I quickly ran out of my room and down the stairs. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. The sweet-smelling flowers and fresh air filled my nose, instantly relaxing me. I turned to the side and saw Taehyung leaning against the wall.

His eyes widened at the sight of me. Under his penetrating gaze, I felt flushed and a slight shiver went through my body. He stepped away from the wall and took a step toward me before stopping.

Taehyung cleared his throat, nodding toward the forest. "Let's go," he said.

He started to walk and lead us down the path to the beautiful creek. I followed silently behind him, leaves and twigs crunching under our feet.

We walked deeper into the woods and out of sight, next to each other, silently. My breathing stuttered when he took my hand, my gaze snapped back up, staring at his face.

A small smile tugged at my lips. Taehyung's touch was soft and gentle. His fingers moved over the back of my hand, almost feather-light. And then they slowly entwined with mine, holding my hand firmly in his as we made our way toward the creek.

My heart fluttered in my chest. Instinctively, my fingers tightened around his and he gently squeezed my hand back, letting me know he felt the same way.

I locked the image in my mind and heart, for I would always treasure it. My small pale hand was wrapped protectively in Taehyung's rough and much bigger hand. The image represented more than just two hands holding each other.

It was a bond we shared in our darkest and weakest point.

"We're almost here," Taehyung said.

I hummed in contentment.

We finally broke free from the trees, I let go of his hand, then stopped in front of the stream and knelt on the grass. Leaning forward, my hands hovered over the running water for a few seconds before I dipped my fingers into the stream.

The water was cold but soothing. I drew circles and some weird patterns into the water, completely lost in the moment.

"Isn't the water cold?" he asked, stepping up behind me.

"It's not that bad." Cupping some water in my hands, I stood up. "Here," I said, moving toward him.

He looked down at the water cupped in my hands. "Not bad," he whispered back, feeling the temperature.

I let the water slide through my fingers, when I looked up, Taehyung was fixated on me. I was about to take a step back, trying to put some distance between us, but Taehyung wrapped his hand around my waist, pulling me tightly against his hard body.

My shocked breath resonated around us and a small smile appeared on his lips, showing the indent of his slight dimple on his cheek. I melted into his embrace, my knees going weak as he continued to stare at me with the same intense blue eyes.

Taehyung brought a hand up and took a lock of my long black hair, wrapping it loosely around his index finger. "I like your hair like this. When it's down."

His voice was soft. At his words, I struggled to suppress the smile forming on my lips.

His words were sweet and simple, but they tugged at the strings of my heart. They brought life to my broken heart. Such a simple truth… it was enough to piece back a shattered fragment.

With each day, Taehyung slowly put back the broken pieces of my heart.

With only soft gentle caresses and sweet words, he was breathing life back into me.

"You should let it down more often," he continued, his fingers softly brushing over my jaw.

"Okay." At that moment, I was ready to do anything he'd asked.

Taehyung slowly bent his head down until his forehead was resting against mine, his lips just an inch away from mine. All I had to do was slightly move forward and our lips would touch.

But I didn't.

"Taehyung," I whispered.

"Yes?"

"What is this?" I asked, finally pulling the courage from within me.

Taehyung's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and he pulled his forehead away but kept his arms wound tightly around me. "What?"

"This, between us. What is this? How is this going to work?"

While he was gone, those same questions haunted me day and night. Taehyung plagued my thoughts and heart. He was all I could think about but I was also scared. The uncertainty was slowly making me lose control.

I needed to know what he truly wanted.

Taehyung stared into my eyes, his face impassive for a second. My stomach dropped, caving into an empty pit at the expression on his face.

My heart stuttered. I felt the tears at the back of my eyes but then his eyes softened and his lips stretched into a smile, showing me his dimple again.

"I don't know," he whispered. My eyes widened, but he kept talking. "I don't know what this is. I can't put a name to it because there's no name to describe this. All I know is that I want you and I can't let you go. Even when I tried, I couldn't."

I sucked in a sharp breath, my heart melts at his words at his confession. I never expected these words from Taehyung.

But he had given me more than I needed.

He had given me hope.

"I want to see where this goes. I want to try." Taehyung placed his forehead back on mine, his fingers tangling in my hair.

My eyes fluttered closed and I took a deep break before opening them again, staring deeply into his

eyes. "I want to try too," I whispered.

I was playing with fire.

I would burn in the end, but sometimes when the fire is raging within, you can't let go. And I couldn't. I was desperately holding on, even when I knew the fire was going to burn us both in the end.

Taehyung's eyes lit up as if I had given him the only thing he wanted.

I expected him to kiss me but he didn't move. Instead, his arms stayed around my waists like a band of steel, his forehead rested on mine while his lips were only an inch away from mine.

I looked into his eyes for any indication that he would kiss me. And I saw the need there, but when he didn't, I grew confused. His eyes flickered to my lips again and his hands stiffened around my waist. When realization

dawned, I grasped his jacket for support and grew nervous.

My fingers tightened around the fabric and I felt myself swallow hard. Moving forward until our bodies were moulded together, I tilted my head up and then stood on my toes. Our gazes stayed connected as I gently pressed my lips to his, and my eyes fluttered shut.

I heard a growl rumble from his chest and he pressed his lips harder against mine, demanding access. I gasped and he took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside. He explored my mouth slowly. I was hesitant at first, but when he bit down on my lips and then sucked at my tongue, I grew bold.

Letting go of his jacket, I moved my hands upward until my fingers were wrapped in his hair. When I sucked at his tongue, his fingers tightened around my scalp, a groan vibrating from his chest and I moaned in return.

Taehyung licked my lips and I shuddered against him, my fingers pulling at his hair. He slightly pulled away and swore. "Fvck."

We were both breathing hard.

Seeing a man like him undone was shocking to me.

Before I could say anything, his lips crashed into mine again. This time he took my lips possessively as if he was starving for me. And I returned his kisses with the same fervour.

Taehyung pressed me against a tree, holding me tightly against him.

He never broke the kiss.

Instead, he claimed my lips, marking me as his.

Releasing my waist, his hand started to move lower until it was at the edge of my dress. He pulled back and then licked my swollen lips. I was in haze, his kisses driving me crazy.

"Did I tell you how beautiful and sexy you look in this dress?"

His words sounded like they were underwater but I understood them, I shook my head. Taehyung leaned in until his lips were right next to my ear.

He bit down on my earlobe. "You look so fvcking beautiful in this dress," he whispered, voice sounding husky and laced with desire.

His movement was slow, but I shivered when I felt him move my dress upward.

Taehyung took my lips again.

Too much.

It was happening too fast.

My head was spinning.

My skin burned.

My body felt light and heated… too warm.

I felt my knees shaking and I clung to his shoulders, my fingers biting into them. Taehyung hissed into my lips.

When he didn't move, I wrapped my fingers in his hair again and pulled.

Taehyung groaned unhappily but tore his lips away from mine. Our harsh breathing filled the silent forest and I fought for air.

"Too fast?" Taehyung asked.

"A little," I replied, my chest heaving.

"Okay."

He placed his forehead against mine again and I opened my eyes, making eye contact with his. He gave me a small smile before bending down to place a sweet gentle kiss on my swollen lips.

Taehyung let go of me and stepped away. I missed his warmth almost immediately. The look in his eyes told me he felt the same way.

He brought a hand up and rubbed his thumb over my lips, "I like your lips like this… swollen and red from my kisses."

"Taehyung… "

He smirked and then bent down to kiss me again before pulling away, "I'll just have to kiss very often then, to keep them looking like that."

This man was impossible.

I couldn't help but giggle at the look on his face and his words, ducking my head shyly, I smiled.

But Taehyung wasn't having any of that, he placed a finger under my chin and tilted my head up.

"What did I tell you?" he asked, his eyes fierce and intense.

My mouth formed an 'o' and I cocked my head to the side. "You told me to never look away from you."

Taehyung moved the few strands of hair that fell over my face behind my ear, before cupping my jaw, rubbing his thumb softly yet possessively over the curve.

"Good. Remember that, kitten."

"Hmm." I smiled up at him.

"C'mon. Let's go back," he said.

This time, he didn't walk ahead of me, instead, he took my hand in his, entwining our fingers tightly together before walking away from the creek.

Our steps were slow and unhurried, almost as if we lost in our thoughts.

But truthfully, we were lost in each other.

Both of us never wanted this perfect beautiful moment to end.

Happiness couldn't be a word to describe what I was feeling.

Inside, my feeling was joyful.

I felt giddy, warm and completely euphoric.

My cheeks were hurting from my wide smiles but most of all, my heart… it was whole.

It fluttered every time Taehyung's fingers tightened around mine.

It danced with happiness every time I thought about our kiss. And it sang with the intensity of Taehyung's eyes on mine.

As we walked back toward the mansion, I just prayed that this happiness, and whatever was between us, wouldn't burn out before it could bloom.

***

"Goodnight," I whispered to Taehyung, my head lying on his shoulder as I sat on his lap.

"Goodnight," he murmured back.

But still, we refused to let each other go.

"I should go."

"You should."

"I'm tired," I said.

"I know. Me too," he replied, his words soft.

"I really should go." My voice was barely a whisper as I pulled my head up and stared into

Taehyung's eyes. He nodded and sighed, releasing his hold on me.

Was that a pout? It was so small, but it was there. But then it was gone. I thought it was just my imagination, but I had seen it.

"You were pouting," I said.

Taehyung glared at me and then grumbled something under his breath. "You are delirious from lack of sleep, kitten. Go to sleep. You need it."

"I'm not."

He sent me a glare again. "Jungkook."

With a sigh, I got off his lap and stood in front of him. "Goodnight."

He gazed up at me and then smiled. "Goodnight, kitten."

As I walked out and closed the door, I mumbled under my breath, "He was pouting."

After quickly washing my teeth and face, I closed the tap and dried my face. When I had changed into my light pink nightgown, I opened the door of my bathroom and walked out.

But I stopped when I saw Taehyung sitting on my bed.

"Taehyung?" I took a step closer but then stopped again.

He was holding his jacket, the one I kept under my pillow.

I started to panic, my stomach twisting painfully in knots as my heart raced wildly in my chest.

I took several deep breaths, trying to control myself.

"I can explain," I whispered, desperately hoping he would understand.

Taehyung stood up, still holding his jacket.

Our eyes met.

His gaze was intense while mine was filled with fear.

Taehyung took a step closer and then threw the jacket on my sofa.

Keeping his eyes on me, he whispered his next words.

And they took my breath away. This time my heart accelerated, but for a different reason.

"You won't be needing this anymore."

I stared at Taehyung in complete shock, my lips parted in astonishment. My gaze moved from his and to the sofa chair where the jacket sat.

"How?"

Looking back at Taehyung, he stared at me with knowing eyes.

Realization sank in and my stomach dropped. I brought a hand up to my neck and rubbed it nervously. His eyes tracked my movement and then he cleared his throat.

"You were the one who kept the jacket there?" I questioned, my voice barely audible.

I had asked the question but the answer was already clearly written on his face. Taehyung's face softened at my question and he gave me a sharp nod.

Shaking my head, I tried to get rid of the web of confusion. "But how?"

Taehyung let out a tiny sigh and raked his fingers through his hair, a sign of either nervousness, frustration, or anger. But at this moment, I didn't know what he was feeling.

"I heard you and Jimin talking. When she asked you about my jacket." His eyebrows furrowed when I took a step back.

"Jungkook—"

He cared.

And that wasn't something I expected from Taehyung. Not from a man who was supposed to be ruthless, heartless, and a killer.

Tears blinded my vision and I swallowed past the heavy lump forming in my throat. This moment felt surreal. A fragment of my imagination.

But it was real.

I opened my mouth to say something. Anything. I just didn't want this moment to vanish. I didn't want to lose this feeling that was blooming in my heart.

But when I finally spoke, my words came out as an accusation.

"You were spying?" I asked.

I flinched at my tone and I saw Taehyung's eyes widen before his back straightened in a rigid posture.

"I was not," he replied, looking very much affronted. "I heard you and Jimin when I was walking down the hallway." He paused and then rubbed his jaw, giving me a sheepish look. "Well, I did stop when I heard Jimin ask about the jacket. I was curious."

He shrugged and walked toward me, stopping right in front of me. Taehyung brought a hand up and trailed a finger down my cheek, wiping my tears away.

"Can't blame me. Anyone would be curious."

Cupping my cheeks in his hands, Taehyung tilted my head up. "Why are you crying, Jungkook?"

"You gave me your jacket," I whispered brokenly and then closed my eyes, I sounded so pathetic.

"I did," he agreed.

I felt his thumb right under my eyes and he rubbed the spot gently. Instinctively, my hand came up and I grabbed hold of his jacket in a death grip, holding him close to me.

Taehyung was my anchor.

"Open your eyes," he muttered. My fingers tightened around him and my eyes fluttered open with his soft command.

"But you won't need it anymore," Taehyung said. His words rang with finality and I shivered in his arms.

"What do you mean?" I murmured. He smiled at my question and bent down, brushing his lips gently over mine.

"I'd rather show you," he whispered against my lips before claiming them in a hard kiss. He let go of my face and brought his hands down, wrapping them around my tiny waist as he pulled me closer into his body.

My body moulded to his.

Hard against soft.

His hold was unyielding as I returned his kiss with just the same intensity. I was lost in him when he pulled away and I moaned in protest.

"Shhh. I've got you," he muttered through the hazy fog that clouded my thoughts.

Taehyung bent down, sliding an arm behind my back and my knees before lifting me in his arms, cradling me to his chest.

"What?" I said.

He chuckled low in my ear and placed a kiss there. "Relax, Jungkook," he soothed, his voice deep and rough.

At his words, I instantly relaxed in his arms and wrapped my hands around his neck. "Where are you taking me?"

"You ask too many questions," he said.

Taehyung looked down at me, his lips tilted up in a small smirk, his eyes gleaming with intensity —the same intensity that made me weak in the knees and my heart flutter every time.

"But… "

His arms tightened around me in a warning as Taehyung walked us down the hall and stopped in front of his bedroom, I didn't have to ask any questions. He didn't look down at me when he opened the door, but I saw a ghost of a smile on his lips.

He walked inside and kicked the door shut. As soon as we were in the middle of the room, he lowered me down until my feet hit the floor. Taehyung turned me around so that I was facing him.

"You won't be needing my jacket anymore because you will be sleeping with me."

I knew it was coming. I knew what he would say but the words still took me by surprise.

"Taehyung," I whispered, taking a step closer to him.

He cupped my jaw and rubbed his thumb over the curve. I pressed my cheek into his palm and a sigh of contentment whispered past my lips.

"But why?" I asked, wanting to understand him further.

Taehyung smiled wide and rested his forehead against mine. "I had the best sleep last night," he said.

I moved closer. He was the same as me. I melted into his body, his sweet words, soft eyes and gentle touch taking over my senses.

"It's simple. You need me, and in some ways, I need you too," Taehyung continued, his gaze intense. I swallowed hard and brought my hand up, placing it over his. "You… calm me."

Just like he was my peace… I had the same effect on him.

Bringing my other hand up, I placed it over his cheek. "You bring me peace. I don't know how but you do. You make it all go away. The pain. The darkness. The hurt. I feel peace when I'm with you."

I saw Taehyung smile and he slowly brought his lips down to mine. "I know," he whispered back before taking my lips. He moved his hand to the back of my head, holding me firmly.

His kiss was soft and sweet.

"We should go to sleep," he said, pulling back.

His voice was husky and rough.

The way his eyes glinted dangerously in the light, I knew that was the last thing he wanted to do.

I was grateful he stopped there. I wasn't ready for more.

Whatever was between us at the moment… it was already too much.

Taehyung let go of me and I stepped back. "I need to change. Get yourself comfortable." He nodded toward the bed.

I watched him go into the bathroom and close the door behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, I moved back to his bed. I still remembered the first time we met, his eyes filled with fury and his gun pointed at me.

All I could see now was affection in his soft gaze.

All I felt were gentle caresses.

He was no longer the killer I met the first time.

He might be a monster out there, but to me, he was my saviour.

My anchor.

Moments later, he returned wearing only grey sweatpants, his chest bare.

"Oh."

My mouth fell open as I took him in, my gaze was drawn to his muscular body. Lean, big, and hard. He was sculpted, beautifully rugged. Intense, dark, dangerous. There were still some droplets of water on his perfectly tanned body. But what got most of my attention were the tattoos weaved around the length of his arms, ending just above his elbows.

The most prominent looked intricate and old rune in design but I couldn't make out the other design. It was dark, intense, and fierce… just like him.

Taehyung walked toward me and my gaze roamed over broad shoulders and chest. He stopped in front of me and I had to tilt my head up.

"Do you mind if I sleep like this?" he asked. "I usually sleep naked, but I thought you wouldn't be comfortable with that. I'm using sweatpants, but I hate sleeping with shirts."

"Umm… right."

Shaking my head, I tried to find my voice. "I mean, yes. I'm okay with this."

Taehyung brought his hand up and trailed a finger up from my jaw to my ear, moving my hair to the side. "Good."

He leaned forward until his lips were right next to my ear. "Let's sleep," he said, placing a kiss there before stepping away. He had a smirk on his face and he wasn't even trying to hide it. His blue eyes gleamed with a devilish glint as he nodded toward the bed.

Instead of standing up, I pushed myself back on the bed and crawled backwards until I was on the right side, close to the window. Taehyung followed my every movement, his eyes burning brighter with intensity.

My fingers tightened around the comforter and I swallowed hard, my body trembling slightly under his fierce gaze. He must have seen my nervousness because he cleared his throat and looked away.

I turned toward the window, purposely facing away from him.

I heard him shuffling around the room and then the lights were off, casting darkness around the room, with only a tiny glow coming from behind me.

Thank goodness. I hated sleeping in the dark.

The bed moved under his weight as he got in. The comforter shifted and then I felt his heat next to me. We both stayed silent, unmoving. Only our slow breathing filled the room. I placed a hand over my chest, trying to calm my pounding heart, hoping he didn't hear it.

Then he moved closer. My heart stuttered as I waited for his next move. I bit on my lips when I felt his arm around me.

Taehyung pulled me into his body until my back was against his front, tangling his heavy legs with mine as his arm curved almost fully around my body.

"Taehyung," I whispered, my heart going wild in my chest.

He brought his face next to mine and I felt his lips at my temple. When he said nothing and his breath evened out, I placed my hand over his, which was wrapped around my stomach.

"Taehyung?"

His arm tightened around me and he gave me a powerful squeeze. "Sleep," he ordered, his voice soft even with his demanding tone. My hand pressed hard against his as I contemplated what just happened.

"Jungkook, stop thinking so hard. Sleep."

At his words, I sighed and relaxed, settling into his body.

And that was how I fell asleep. With Taehyung wrapped around me like a vine, his lips on my temple, and our hands entwined together.